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Before embarking up to the Carbon Glacier, pause to see this pretty waterfall where Ipsut Creek glides over a rounded rock face and is then shot out of a thin crack into a log strewn gorge below. Since Ipsut Creek used to be the water source for the Ipsut Creek Campground, there is a small pumphouse near the falls, but after the flooding in 2003 and 2006, neither the piping system or the campground are in operation. Compounding the situation, the floods in 2006 all but completely destroyed the Carbon River Road and now the campground is only accessible via a 4 mile hike (this situation may become permanent pending the environmental impact statement being prepared for possible reconstruction of the road). Given the current situation, hiking to Ipsut Falls is only advisable for those already planning on hiking to the Carbon Glacier or destinations equally distant from the trailhead, the waterfall isn't worth it alone.
- Ipsut Falls is the Official name of this waterfall.
Located within the Carbon River area of Mt. Rainier National Park. Drive south from Enumclaw along Highway 410 to just past Buckley to Highway 165, marked for Carbonado, Wilkeson and Mt. Rainier. Follow this road for 16 miles to the Carbon River Entrance Station of Mt Rainier National Park. The road is currently closed at the entrance station and may remain that way indefinitely. A trail is marked along the old roadbed for 4 ½ miles to the campground where the Wonderland Trail can be found. Ipsut Falls is anothe 1/5th of a mile in.
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